Cooperation

Now, That's The School Spirit

More proof that good comes from most everything ugly: After last year's brutal season, PTAs at privileged schools adopted hurricane-beaten schools in their area and offered a hand out of the wreckage.

In West Boca, Water's Edge Elementary PTA is still reaching out, and struggling South Grade Elementary in Lake Worth is benefiting. After Hurricane Wilma, it was food, clothing, towels and toiletries for storm-ravaged South Grade families. Now, Water's Edge parents are teaching South Grade how to start up an effective PTA and pledging continued support and encouragement.

Of course, in many ways, the challenges South Grade parents face are steeper than their wealthier Water's Edge counterparts, and parental involvement in school activities can prove a complicated undertaking. But all difficult tasks start with a positive example. Water's Edge parents are providing that, for South Grade and the community at large.